aflex
Australia’s only paperless ISO9001:2015 accredited bellows manufacturer
Australian Made and Owned products

Aflex Metal Bellows Maintenance Procedures

Metal bellows assemblies are designed for long-term operation under specified conditions with minimal intervention. When installed and operated within design parameters, bellows are generally considered maintenance-free. However, periodic inspections are recommended to ensure continued safe operation and to identify any signs of abnormal wear, damage, or environmental factors that may affect performance.

General Guidelines

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Bellows assemblies require no routine maintenance under normal operating conditions.

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Scheduled visual inspections should form part of the site’s general piping or plant maintenance routines.

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Maintenance actions are typically limited to inspection and ensuring surrounding equipment does not impose unexpected loads or movements on the bellows.

Download and Print Procedures

Recommended Frequency:

Visual inspection during routine shutdowns or at least annually, unless site conditions suggest otherwise.

Inspection Steps:

Visual inspection during routine shutdowns or at least annually, unless site conditions suggest otherwise.

Visual Examination:

Inspect bellows convolutions for deformation, cracks, corrosion, or leaks.

Attachment Points:

Check welds, flanges, and tie rods for cracks, corrosion, or loose fasteners.

Alignment and Supports:

Verify pipe alignment remains within design tolerances. Confirm supports are intact.

Movement Check:

Ensure bellows are free to absorb designed movement and are not restricted.

Protective Components:

Inspect liners, covers, and insulation for damage or corrosion.

Corrective Actions

If leaks, cracks, severe deformation, or excessive corrosion are detected:

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Isolate the system.
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Replace the bellows assembly (bellows are generally non-repairable components).

If alignment or support issues are identified:

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Rectify pipe misalignment or faulty supports before restarting the system.

Operational Considerations

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Ensure system pressure, temperature, and movement stay within the bellows design limits.
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Avoid excessive vibration, torsional loads (unless designed for torsion), or overextension beyond rated movement.

Record Keeping

Document inspection findings, including:

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Date of inspection
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Observations
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Corrective actions (if any)
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Retain inspection records as part of the plant maintenance log.

Important Notes

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Bellows are not designed for field modification.
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If damage or defects are suspected, consult the manufacturer before attempting repairs or replacements.
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Replacement bellows should match the original design specifications to maintain system integrity.